Portable Propulsion Facilitation System, Device and Method

Abstract

Embodiments of a portable propulsion facilitation device and system for a marine vessel provide a rechargeable power source and a removable trolling motor mounting base securable to a marine vessel. In various embodiments, the power source employs rechargeable batteries that are secured within a cover. The device can include an access door that permits a user to access the power source when removal or replacement is necessary. The power source can be maintained within a housing of a trolling motor or one or more housings secured to the mounting base. In various embodiments, the mounting base is integrated with, or attachable to, one or more tubes, wherein the tube(s) can be secured and/or placed in a traditional fishing rod holder or other opening on the vessel. A trolling motor can be secured to the mounting base.

1 . A device for mounting a propulsion unit to a marine vessel, comprising:
 a mounting base comprising a lower surface and a plurality of housings separated by a slot adapted to receive a shaft of a propulsion unit;   a marine vessel securing device extending from the lower surface of the mounting base;   a trolling motor shaft securing device secured to or formed in the mounting base; and   a power source housed within at least one of the housing for providing power to a trolling motor maintained by the trolling motor shaft securing device.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of housings comprises a housing wall and a housing door, wherein the housing door is movably secured to the housing wall. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the marine vessel securing device comprises a threaded bolt. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the marine vessel securing device comprises a tube secured to the base for insertion through an opening on the marine vessel. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the marine vessel securing device comprises a tube integrally formed with the base for insertion through an opening on the marine vessel. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power source comprises a power source housed within each of the plurality of housings. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable, removable battery. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the battery is rechargeable onboard the marine vessel. 
     
     
         9 . A device for mounting a propulsion unit to a marine vessel, comprising:
 a mounting base;   a plurality of housings secured to the mounting base, wherein the plurality of housings are separated by a slot adapted to receive a shaft of a propulsion unit;   a threaded bolt extending through the mounting base; and   a button bolt receiver, wherein the button bolt receiver can be secured to a marine vessel and the threaded bolt can by threadedly secured to the button bolt receiver.   
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting base is substantially flat. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the threaded bolt comprises a pair of threaded bolts extending through the base, and wherein the button bolt receiver comprises a pair of button bolt receivers. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source maintained within at least one of the plurality of housings. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source maintained within each of the plurality of housings. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable, removable battery. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the battery is rechargeable onboard the marine vessel. 
     
     
         16 . A device for mounting a propulsion unit to a marine vessel, comprising:
 a substantially flat mounting base;
 a housing securable to the mounting base; 
   a plurality of marine vessel securing devices, wherein each of the plurality of marine vessel securing devices is extendable through a respective one of a plurality of openings formed in the mounting base; and   a plurality of receivers, wherein each of the plurality of receivers can be secured to a marine vessel for receiving a respective one of the plurality of marine vessel securing devices.   
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the housing houses one or more power pack docking stations. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16 , further comprising a power source maintained within the housing. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 16 , further comprising a trolling motor shaft securing device secured to or formed in the mounting base. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein the housing comprises a housing wall, wherein the trolling motor shaft securing device is adapted to receive a trolling motor shaft, and wherein the trolling motor shaft is positionable adjacent the housing wall.